UK regulator proposes wider iPhone payment access and lower fees
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is proposing that Apple open iPhone contactless payment technology to more providers and substantially reduce the fees it charges. The regulator says Apple’s access rules may be limiting innovation and growth in the UK fintech sector, where Apple Wallet is the most popular contactless option.
The CMA says contactless payments account for 39 per cent of all UK payments, and the fintech sector supports more than 360,000 jobs. Unlike in the EU, it says no UK firm has launched a competing wallet product; UK developers can access some iPhone payment features but remain within Apple’s ecosystem and pay fees. The consultation closes on 17 November 2026, after which the CMA will consider responses before making a final decision. Apple says it opposes an approach it believes would weaken privacy and security protections.
- UK regulator proposes wider access to iPhone contactless payments.
- CMA says Apple’s fees and rules may hinder UK fintechs.
- Consultation closes on 17 November 2026.
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Contactless payments let people pay by tapping a card or phone on a reader. On iPhones, Apple Wallet is the most widely used contactless option in the UK, while financial technology firms, often called fintechs, develop services such as payment apps and digital wallets.
Apple controls access to some iPhone features used for contactless payments, and firms that use them operate within Apple’s system and pay fees. The CMA is the UK regulator that examines whether competition is working fairly; it says these rules could affect the ability of other providers to develop and grow payment services.
The issue matters because contactless payments make up a large share of UK transactions, and fintech supports many jobs. It also raises questions about how to balance competition and choice with the privacy and security protections Apple says its system provides.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Opening iPhone contactless technology to competing providers could give UK developers more scope to build and grow wallet products, increase consumer choice and reduce dependence on Apple’s ecosystem. Supporters of lower fees argue that fairer access could help fintech firms innovate and compete, with potential benefits for a sector that supports many jobs.
The case against
Apple and its supporters can argue that tightly controlled access helps maintain consistent privacy and security protections for sensitive payment data. They may also contend that mandated access and lower fees could weaken Apple’s ability to manage risks across its ecosystem and discourage investment in the technology and safeguards users rely on.
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Originally published by Engadget as “UK antitrust regulator wants Apple to open up iPhone NFC access”.